Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey - G
Common Sense Note
Witty, wisecracking animals on a fast-moving live-action adventure through lush scenery will keep kids on the edge of their seats. The story holds up well through repeated viewings.
Viewers younger than five will enjoy the animals, but probably won't follow the story. Children 5-8 will fall in love with the talking animals, and this film is aimed at them. An abundance of attitude and irreverent humor will appeal to older kids, though elevens and twelves may find it too juvenile.
If children are old enough, families may want to discuss what to do if kids get separated from parents. How did Shadow, Chance and Sassy cope with the fear of being alone?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Common Sense Media
When their owners go on vacation, Shadow, a golden retriever (voiced by Don Ameche), Chance, a bulldog (Michael J. Fox), and Sassy, a Himalayan cat (Sally Field), are left with a friend. After a few days, Chance becomes convinced something's wrong and runs away. Sassy and Shadow follow.
Determined to go home, they traverse the Sierras, ford rivers, and tangle with unfriendly bears. Shadow becomes a hero by finding a lost little girl and alerting her parents. Afterwards, when the three pets are taken to a shelter to await their family, they break out once again and continue their difficult journey. Exchanging wisecracks all the way, Chance, Shadow, and Sassy finally arrive home, where they're welcomed with open arms.
Witty dialogue and well-cast voices make this remake a delight from start to finish. (Disney made the movie equally well in 1963 under the title The Incredible Journey.) Michael J. Fox and Don Ameche do a terrific job of giving voice to their canine characters; Ameche is particularly poignant as the older and much wiser Shadow. Sally Field, hilarious as the snide and sharp-tongued Sassy, constantly berates Chance for his impetuous behavior and less than perfect manners. The animals themselves perform some riveting stunts.
As the threesome make their way home, viewers are carried along through a landscape full of peril and beauty. Although there are some scary moments, like when Shadow and Chance confront a bobcat, or when the elderly Shadow falls into a deep ditch on the last leg of their journey, the banter keeps things light. The well-written script contains plenty of kid-friendly humor. Even adult viewers will enjoy Sassy's stinging putdowns, and Shadow's deep-voiced wisdom.
If talking animals are your child's thing, avoid the sequel and try the far superior Babe.
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ViolenceA fight, but no injuries are incurred. Family pets are lost, but eventually find their way home. |
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Social BehaviorThe story teaches the importance of family and perserverance. |
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